The love of Paris and Helen was the root of the Trojan War. According to legend, Paris was asked by the goddesses to determine which was most beautiful. He chose Aphrodite, and as a reward he was "given" Helen, who happened to be married to Menelaus at the time.

Undaunted, Paris went to be a guest at their home, and was treated well. When Menelaus went off to a wedding, Paris ran off with Helen. They went to Troy and were married (despite Helen already having a husband).

Menelaus, furious, gathered together an army and lay siege to Troy. After many years Menlaus was victorious, and took back his wife.